Touch sensor with high sensitivity and display device having the same

ABSTRACT

A touch sensor, includes: a plurality of sensing rows, each of the plurality of sensing rows including first sensing electrodes connected in a first direction; and a plurality of sensing columns, each of the plurality of sensing columns including second sensing electrodes connected in a second direction crossing the first direction; first protrusions disposed at the first sensing electrodes, the first protrusions protruding toward an adjacent second sensing electrode; and first recesses disposed at the second sensing electrodes, the first recesses facing the first protrusions disposed at an adjacent first sensing electrode, wherein the first recesses have a shape corresponding to a shape of the first protrusions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/797,558, filed on Oct. 30, 2017, which claims priority from and thebenefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0048569, filed on Apr.14, 2017, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference for allpurposes as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND Field

Various exemplary embodiments relate to a touch sensor and a displaydevice having the same.

Discussion of the Background

Recently, display devices are being equipped with image display functionalong with information input function. Typically, the information inputfunction may be implemented as a touch sensor for receiving a user'stouch input.

The touch sensor may be attached to one surface of a display panelimplementing image display function or may be formed as one body withthe display panel. A user may input information by pressing or touchingthe touch sensor while viewing the images implemented on the displaypanel.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only forenhancement of understanding of the background of the inventiveconcepts, and, therefore, it may contain information that does not formthe prior art that is already known in this country to a person ofordinary skill in the art.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments provide a touch sensor and a display device havingthe same.

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a touch sensor havingenhanced touch sensing sensitivity.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a display deviceincluding the touch sensor.

In an embodiment, a touch sensor may include a plurality of sensing rowsincluding first sensing electrodes connected in a first direction, aplurality of sensing columns including second sensing electrodesconnected in a second direction crossing the first direction, firstprotrusions disposed at an edge of the first sensing electrodes andprotruding toward an adjacent second sensing electrode, a plurality ofsecond protrusions disposed at an edge of the second sensing electrodes,protruding toward an adjacent first sensing electrode and alternatelyarranged with the first protrusions, first sub protrusions protrudingtoward an adjacent second protrusion from an edge of the firstprotrusions and second sub protrusions protruding toward an adjacentfirst protrusion from an edge of the second protrusions and alternatelyarranged with the first sub protrusions.

In an embodiment, an area of the first sensing electrodes may bedifferent from an area of the second sensing electrodes.

In an embodiment, the first sensing electrodes and the second sensingelectrodes may include a plurality of conductive fine lines crossingeach other.

In an embodiment, the touch sensor may further include a pad partincluding pads electrically connected to the first sensing electrodesand the second sensing electrodes. One of the first sensing electrodesand the second sensing electrodes may receive a driving signal throughthe pad part, and another one may transmit a touch sense signal to thepad part.

In an embodiment, an area of each of the sensing electrodes receivingthe driving signal may be smaller than an area of each of the sensingelectrodes transmitting the touch sense signal.

In an embodiment, the sensing electrodes receiving the driving signalmay include a first area and a second area, the first area and thesecond area being electrically separated from each other. One of thefirst area and the second area may be inside the other and electricallyinsulated.

In an embodiment, the touch sensor may further include a thirdprotrusion disposed at an edge of the first area and protruding towardthe second area and a fourth protrusion disposed at an edge of thesecond area and protruding toward the first area.

In an embodiment, the third protrusions and the fourth protrusions maybe alternately arranged.

In an embodiment, the touch sensor may further include third subprotrusions protruding toward an adjacent fourth protrusion from an edgeof the third protrusions and fourth sub protrusions protruding toward anadjacent third protrusion from an edge of the fourth protrusions.

In an embodiment, the third sub protrusions and the fourth subprotrusions may be alternately arranged.

In an embodiment, a distance between adjacent first protrusions may be ⅙or smaller in length of one side of the first sensing electrode, and anumber of the first protrusions disposed at one side of the firstsensing electrode may be 6 or more.

In an embodiment, a pitch of the first protrusions and a pitch of thesecond protrusions are 5 mm or less.

In an embodiment, the first protrusions, the second protrusions, thefirst sub protrusions and the second sub protrusions may have a closedcurve shape having a straight side.

In an embodiment, the touch sensor may further include dummy fine linesbetween adjacent first sub protrusion and second sub protrusion.

In an embodiment, a height of one of the first protrusions may bedifferent from a height of another one of the first protrusions, and aheight of one of the second protrusions may be different from a heightof another one of the second protrusions.

In an embodiment, a width of one of the first protrusions may bedifferent from a width of another one of the first protrusions, and awidth of one of the second protrusions may be different from a width ofanother one of the second protrusions.

In an embodiment, the conductive fine lines may include first conductivefine lines extending in a first direction and second conductive finelines crossing the first conductive fine lines.

In an embodiment, the touch sensor may further include a dummy portiondisposed between adjacent first sensing electrode and second sensingelectrode and including at least one dummy pattern. The dummy patternmay include at least one first dummy conductive fine line parallel tothe first conductive fine lines and a plurality of second dummyconductive fine lines crossing the first dummy conductive fine line andparallel to the second conductive fine line.

In an embodiment, the dummy portion may include two dummy patterns.

In an embodiment, the dummy pattern may include two first dummyconductive fine lines, wherein the second dummy conductive fine linescross all of the first dummy conductive fine lines.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide a displaydevice including a substrate, a light emitting device disposed on thesubstrate, a display panel including a capping layer covering the lightemitting device, and the touch sensor disposed on the display panel.Here, the touch sensor may be disposed on the capping layer.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the exemplary embodiments asclaimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view for describing a display device including atouch sensor according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating the touch sensor shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the exemplary touch sensingelectrodes of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of EA1 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of EA2 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of EA3 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV′ in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I line in FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II′ in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III′ line in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 illustrate the shape of the protrusions betweenadjacent touch sensing electrodes.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the shape between adjacent sub protrusions.

FIGS. 16, 17, and 18 illustrate the dummy portion between adjacent subprotrusions.

FIGS. 19, 20, and 21 are graphs illustrating capacitance according tothe distance between adjacent first sensing electrode and second sensingelectrode, the amount of change in the capacitance, and the ratio of theamount of change between capacitance and capacitance.

FIGS. 22, 23, and 24 illustrate the touch sensor of the display deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of various exemplary embodiments. It is apparent, however,that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without thesespecific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In otherinstances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagramform in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various exemplaryembodiments.

Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated exemplary embodiments are tobe understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail ofvarious exemplary embodiments. Therefore, unless otherwise specified,the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions,and/or aspects of the various illustrations may be otherwise combined,separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from thedisclosed exemplary embodiments. Further, in the accompanying figures,the size and relative sizes of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., maybe exaggerated for clarity and descriptive purposes.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,”or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on,connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or interveningelements or layers may be present. When, however, an element or layer isreferred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or“directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no interveningelements or layers present. For the purposes of this disclosure, “atleast one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the groupconsisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as X only, Y only, Z only,or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for instance,XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any andall combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish oneelement, component, region, layer, and/or section from another element,component, region, layer, and/or section. Thus, a first element,component, region, layer, and/or section discussed below could be termeda second element, component, region, layer, and/or section withoutdeparting from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and,thereby, to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of anapparatus in use, operation, and/or manufacture in addition to theorientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the apparatus inthe drawings is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath”other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the otherelements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompassboth an orientation of above and below. Furthermore, the apparatus maybe otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at otherorientations), and, as such, the spatially relative descriptors usedherein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Moreover,the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,”when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one ormore other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms,such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device including a touchsensor according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan viewschematically illustrating the touch sensor shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is apartially enlarged view of the exemplary touch sensing electrodes of thetouch sensor shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of EA1 in FIG.3. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of EA2 in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an enlargedview of EA3 in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along lineIV-IV′ in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I linein FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II′ in FIG. 3.FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III′ line in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10, a display device may include a display panelDPN and a touch sensor TS.

The display panel DPN may show an image. The display panel DPN is notspecifically limited. For example, the display panel DPN may be adisplay panel capable of spontaneous emission such as an organic lightemitting display (OLED) panel. Also, the display panel (DPN) may use anonradiative display panel such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel,an electro-phoretic display (EPD) panel, an electro-wetting display(EWD) panel, etc. If the display panel DPN uses a nonradiative displaypanel, the display device may include a back-light unit which supplieslight to the display panel DPN. In this embodiment, the OLED panel isdescribed as an example.

The display panel DPN may include a display area (not shown) and anon-display area (not shown). The display area may include plurality ofpixels. The non-display area may be provided adjacent to the displayarea. For example, the non-display area may appear to surround thedisplay area. Each pixel may be one of red, green, blue and white, butis not limited thereto. For example, the pixel may be one of magenta,cyan and yellow. The pixels may include an organic light emitting diode(OLED). The OLED may be an organic light emitting diode.

Referring also to FIG. 7, the display panel DPN may include a basesubstrate BS, a driving layer provided on the base substrate BS, anoptical layer OPL provided on the driving layer DDL and a capping layerECL provided on the optical layer OPL.

The base substrate BS may include a display area and a non-display area.Pixel areas where pixels are arranged may be provided in the displayarea. The non-display area may be arranged near the display area.

The base substrate BS may include a transparent insulative material andallow light to pass through. Furthermore, the base substrate BS may be arigid substrate or a flexible substrate. The rigid substrate may be oneof a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, a glass ceramic substrate anda crystalline glass substrate. The flexible substrate may include a filmsubstrate or a plastic substrate which includes high molecular organicmatter. For example, the flexible substrate may include one ofpolyethersulfone PES, polyacrylate, polyetherimide PEI, polyethylenenaphthalate PEN, polyethylene terephthalate PET, polyphenylene sulfidePPS, polyarylate PAR, polyimide PI, polycarbonate PC, triacetatecellulose TAC and cellulose acetate propionate CAP. Also, the flexiblesubstrate may include fiber glass reinforced plastic FRP.

The material for the base substrate BS may preferably have resistance tohigh temperature (or heat resisting property) at the time of manufactureof the display device.

The driving layer DDL may be provided on the base substrate BS andinclude at least one thin film transistor TFT provided in each pixelarea. Also, the driving layer DDL may include a buffer layer BULprovided between the base substrate BS and the thin film transistor TFT.The buffer layer BUL may include an inorganic insulative material. Forexample, the buffer layer BUL may include at least one of silicon oxide,silicon nitride and silicon oxynitride. Also, the buffer layer BUL mayhave a single layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example,the buffer layer BUL may have a single layer structure that includes oneof a silicon oxide, silicon nitride and silicon oxynitride. The bufferlayer BUL may include a silicon oxide film and a silicon nitride filmprovided on the silicon oxide film. The buffer layer BUL may include 3or more sequentially stacked insulating layers.

The buffer layer BUL may prevent impurities from expanding into the thinfilm transistor TFT from the base substrate BS. Also, the buffer layerBUL may flatten or planarize the surface of the base substrate BS.

The thin film transistor TFT may be connected to a gate line (not shown)or a data line (not shown). The thin film transistor TFT may include asemiconductor layer SCL, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE anda drain electrode DE.

The semiconductor layer SCL may be arranged on the buffer layer BUL. Thesemiconductor layer SCL may include one of an amorphous silicon (Si), apoly crystalline Si, or an oxide semiconductor and an organicsemiconductor. In the semiconductor layer SCL, the area that connects tothe source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be a source areaand a drain area where impurities are doped or injected into. The areabetween the source area and the drain area may be a channel area.

Although not shown in the drawings, if the semiconductor layer SCLincludes an oxide semiconductor, a light blocking layer may be providedat the upper or lower part of the semiconductor layer SCL to block thelight passing into the semiconductor layer SCL.

There may be a gate insulative layer GI on the semiconductor layer SCL.The gate insulative layer GI may cover the semiconductor layer SCL andmay insulate the semiconductor layer SCL and the gate electrode GE. Thegate insulative layer GI may include at least one of the organicinsulative material or inorganic insulative material. For example, thegate insulative layer GI may include at least one of silicon oxide andsilicon nitride.

The gate electrode GE may be provided on the gate insulative layer GI.The gate electrode GE may be connected to the gate line. The gateelectrode GE may include a low resistance conductive material and mayoverlap the semiconductor layer SCL.

An interlayer insulative layer ILD may be provided between gateelectrodes GE. The interlayer insulative layer ILD may include at leastone of organic insulative material and inorganic insulative material.For example, the interlayer insulative layer ILD may include at leastone of silicon oxide and silicon nitride. The interlayer insulativelayer ILD may insulate the source electrode SE and the drain electrodeDE, and the gate electrode GE.

Contact holes that pass through the gate insulative layer GI and theinterlayer insulative layer ILD may expose the source area and the drainarea of the semiconductor layer SCL.

The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be arranged onthe interlayer insulative layer ILD spaced apart from each other. Thesource electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may include a lowresistance conductive material. One end of the source electrode SE maybe connected to the data line. The other end of the source electrode SEmay be connected to the source area through one of the contact holes.One end of the drain electrode DE may be connected to the drain areathrough another one of the contact holes. The other end of the drainelectrode DE may be connected to the display device OLED.

While in an exemplary embodiment, the thin film transistor TFT isillustrated as a thin film transistor having a top gate structure, butit is not limited thererto. For example, the thin film transistor TFTmay be a thin film transistor having a bottom gate structure as well.

The driving layer DDL may further include a protective layer PSVprovided on the thin film transistor TFT. The protective layer PSV maycover the thin film transistor TFT. A portion of the protective layerPSV may be removed to expose one of the source electrode SE or the drainelectrode DE.

The protective layer PSV may include at least one layer. For example,the protective layer PSV may include an inorganic protective layer andan organic protective layer arranged on the inorganic protective layer.The inorganic protective layer may include at least one of silicon oxideand silicon nitride. The organic protective layer may include one ofacryl, polyimide PI, polyamide PA and benzocyclobutene BCB. Also, theorganic protective layer may be transparent, flattened layer capable offlattening by relaxing the curvature of the lower structure since it isflexible.

The optical layer OPL may be provided on the protective layer PSV andinclude a display device OLED connected to the drain electrode DE.

The display device OLED may include a first electrode AE connected tothe drain electrode DE, a light emitting layer EML provided on the firstelectrode AE and a second electrode CE provided on the light emittinglayer EML.

One of the first electrode AE and the second electrode CE may be ananode, and the other may be a cathode. For example, the first electrodeAE may be an anode and the second electrode CE may be a cathode.

At least one of the first electrode AE and the second electrode CE maybe a penetrative electrode. For example, in the case of abottom-emission organic light emitting device, the first electrode AEmay be a penetrative electrode and the second electrode CE may be areflective electrode. If the display device OLED is a top emissionorganic light emitting device, the first electrode may be a reflectiveelectrode, and the second electrode may be a penetrative electrode. Ifthe display device OLED is a both side emission organic light emittingdevice, the first electrode AE and the second electrode CE may both bepenetrative electrodes. In an exemplary embodiment, the display deviceOLED is illustrated as a top emission organic light emitting device, andthe first electrode AE is illustrated as an anode electrode, but it isnot limited thereto.

In each pixel area, the first electrode AE may be provided on theprotective layer PSV. The first electrode AE may include a reflectivelayer (not shown) capable of reflecting light and a transparentconductive layer (not shown) provided on or below the reflective layer.At least one of the transparent conductive layer and the reflectivelayer may be connected to the drain electrode DE.

The reflective layer may include a material capable of reflecting light.For example, the reflective layer may include aluminum (Al), silver(Ag), molybdenum (Mo), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni) and at least one ofthe combination thereof.

The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductiveoxide. For example, the transparent conductive layer may include atleast one transparent conductive oxide of indium tin oxide (ITO), indiumzinc oxide (IZO), aluminum zinc oxide (AZO), gallium doped zinc oxide(GZO), zinc tin oxide (ZTO), gallium tin oxide (GTO) and fluorine dopedtin oxide (FTO).

A pixel defining layer PDL may be provided on the first electrode AE.The pixel defining layer PDL may be provided between pixel areas. Thepixel defining layer PDL may expose the first electrode AE. The pixeldefining layer PDL may overlap an edge portion of the first electrodeAE. The pixel defining layer PDL may expose most of surface facing asecond substrate of the first electrode AE.

The pixel defining layer PDL may include an organic insulative material.For example, the pixel defining layer PDL may include at least one ofpolystyrene, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyacrylonitrile (PAN),polyamide (PA), polyimide (PI), polyarylether (PAE), heterocyclicpolymer, parylene, epoxy, benzocyclobutene (BCB), siloxane based resinand silane based resin.

The light emitting layer may be provided on the exposed surface of thefirst electrode AE. The light emitting layer EML may be a multi-stackedthin film structure including at least a light generation layer LGL. Forexample, the light emitting layer EML may include a hole injection layerHIL injecting holes, a hole transport layer HTL with superiortransportation of holes and for enhancing an opportunity to recombine ofholes with electrons by restricting transfer of electrons which have notbeen combined in the light generation layer, a light generation layeremitting light by recombining injected holes with holes, a hole blockinglayer HBL for restricting transfer of holes which have not be combinedin the light generation layer, and an electron transport layer ETL forsmoothly transporting electrons to the light generation layer and anelectron injection layer injecting electrons.

The color of the light generated in the light generation layer may beone of red, green, blue and white, but it is not limited thereto. Forexample, the color of the light generated in the light generation layermay be one of magenta, cyan and yellow.

The hole injection layer, the hole transport layer, the hole restrictionlayer, the electron transport layer and the electron injection layer maybe a common layer where adjacent pixel areas are connected.

The second electrode CE may be provided on the light emitting layer EML.The second electrode CE may be a semipermeable reflective layer. Forexample, the second electrode CE may be a thin film metal layer having athickness which may allow light to pass through. The second electrode CEmay allow a portion of light generated in the light generation layer topass through and a remaining portion of light generated in the lightgeneration layer to be reflected.

The second electrode CE may include a material with a low work functioncompared to a transparent conductive layer. For example, the secondelectrode CE may include at least one of Mo, W, Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au,Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca and at least one of an alloy thereof.

A portion of the light coming out from the light emitting layer may notpass through the second electrode CE, and the light reflected from thesecond electrode CE may be reflected again at the reflective layer. Thatis, the light that came out from the light emitting layer may resonatebetween the reflective layer and the second electrode CE. The lightextraction efficiency of the display device OLED may be enhanced by theresonance of the light.

The distance between the reflective layer and the second electrode CEmay vary depending on the color of the light generated in the lightgeneration layer. That is, depending on the color of the light generatedin the light generation layer, the distance between the reflective layerand the second electrode CE may be adjusted to conform to the distanceof the resonance.

A capping layer ECL may be provided on the second electrode CE. Thecapping layer ECL may prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating intothe display device OLED by covering the display device OLED. The cappinglayer ECL may include a plurality of insulating layers. For example, thecapping layer ECL may include a plurality of inorganic layers (notshown) and a plurality of organic layers (not shown). Also, the cappinglayer ECL may include a plurality of encapsulating units that include aninorganic layer and an organic layer provided on the inorganic layer.The inorganic layer may include at least one of silicon oxide, siliconnitride, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, zirconiumoxideand and an oxide of tin. The organic layer may include one ofacryl, polyimide (PI), polyamide (PA) and benzocyclobutene (BCB).

A touch sensor TS may be provided on one surface of a display panel DPN.For example, the touch sensor TS may be provided on the capping layerECL. The touch sensor TS may include a sensing area SA capable ofdetecting a touch position of a user and a non-sensing area NSA providednear the sensing area SA. The sensing area SA may correspond to adisplay area of the display panel DPN. The non-sensing area NSA maycorrespond to a non-display area of the display panel DPN.

Referring to FIG. 2, the touch sensor TS may include a plurality ofsensing electrodes TSE provided to the sensing area SA and sensing linesSL connecting the sensing electrodes TSE to a pad part PDA in thenon-sensing area NSA. Each of the sensing lines SL may be connected to apad PD of the pad part PDA.

Referring to FIG. 3, the touch sensor TS may be a mutual capacitancetouch sensor. The touch sensor TS may detect a touch position of a userby detecting a change in capacitance of the capacitor formed betweenadjacent sensing electrodes TSE. A portion of the sensing electrodes TSEmay be arranged in a first direction D1 and electrically connected toeach other, thereby forming a plurality of sensing rows that areparallel to each other. Here, the sensing electrodes TSE included in thesensing rows may be first sensing electrodes TSE1. In sensing rows, thefirst sensing electrodes TSE1 adjacent to each other may be electricallyconnected through a first connection pattern CNP1. Also, the rest of thesensing electrodes TSE may be arranged in a second direction D2 crossingthe first direction D1 and electrically connected, forming a pluralityof sensing columns that are parallel to each other. Here, the sensingelectrodes TSE included in the sensing columns may be second sensingelectrodes TSE2. In sensing columns, the second sensing electrodes TSE2that are adjacent to each other, they may be electrically connectedthrough the second connection pattern CNP2. Each of the sensing columnsand the sensing rows may be electrically connected to the pads PDthrough the sensing lines SL.

One of the first sensing electrodes TSE1 and the second sensingelectrodes TSE2 may receive a driving signal for sensing a touch througha portion of sensing lines, and the other of the first sensingelectrodes TSE1 and the second sensing electrodes TSE2 may transfer atouch sense signal through the rest of the sensing lines SL. Forexample, the second sensing electrodes TSE2 may receive a touch drivingsignal, and the first sensing electrodes TSE1 may transfer a touch sensesignal.

Also, an area of the first sensing electrodes TSE1 and an area of thesecond sensing electrodes TSE2 may be different from each other. Forexample, the area of the second sensing electrodes TSE2 may be smallerthan the area of the first sensing electrodes TSE1.

The touch sensor TS may include a first insulating layer ILL a firstconductive layer provided on the first insulating layer ILL a secondinsulating layer IL2 covering the first conductive layer, a secondconductive layer provided on the second insulating layer IL2 and a thirdinsulating layer IL3 covering the second conductive layer.

The first insulating layer IL1 may be provided on the capping layer ECL.The first insulating layer IL1 may include at least one of the organicinsulative material and the inorganic insulative material. For example,the first insulating layer IL1 may include at least one of siliconoxide, silicon nitride and silicon oxynitride.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first conductive layer is illustrated asbeing provided on the first insulating layer ILL but it is not limitedthereto. For example, if an uppermost layer of the capping layer ECLincludes an inorganic insulative material, the first insulating layerIL1 may be omitted and the first conductive layer may be provided on thecapping layer ECL.

The first conductive layer may include at least one of the first sensingelectrodes TSE1, the second sensing electrodes TSE2, the firstconnection pattern CNP1 and the second connection pattern CNP2. Forexample, the first conductive layer CNP1 may include the secondconnection pattern CNP2. Also, the first conductive layer may include aconductive material. Here, the conductive material layer may include atransparent conductive oxide, or a metal material.

The first conductive layer may include a plurality of stacked metallayers. For example, the first conductive layer may include a firstmetal layer provided on the first insulating layer IL1, a second metallayer provided on the first metal layer and a third metal layer providedon the second metal layer.

The second insulating layer IL2 may be provided on the first insulatinglayer IL1 and the first conductive layer. The second insulating layerIL2 may include the same material as the first insulating layer IL1. Forexample, the second insulating layer IL2 may include at least one ofsilicon oxide, silicon nitride and silicon oxynitride.

The second conductive layer may include one conductive material layersuch as the first conductive layer or include a plurality of stackedconductive material layers. The second conductive layer may include atleast one of first sensing electrodes TSE1, second sensing electrodesTSE2, a first connection pattern CNP1 and a second connection patternCNP2. For example, the second conductive layer may include first sensingelectrodes TSE1, second sensing electrodes TSE2 and a second connectionpattern CNP2.

The third insulating layer IL3 may be provided on the second insulatinglayer IL2 and the second conductive layer. The third insulating layerIL3 may prevent the second conductive layer from being corroded bypreventing the second conductive layer from being exposed to outside.

The third insulating layer IL3 may include an organic insulativematerial. For example, the third insulating layer IL3 may include one ofacryl, polyimide (PI), polyamide (PA) and benzocyclobutene (BCB). Also,the third insulating layer IL3 may be transparent, and since it isflexible, it may be flattened by easing the curvature of the lowerstructure.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first connection pattern CNP1 isillustrated as being included in the first conductive layer and thesecond connection pattern CNP2 is illustrated as being included in thesecond conductive layer, but they are not limited thereto. For example,the second connection pattern CNP2 may be included in the firstconductive layer, and the first connection pattern CNP1 may be includedin the second conductive layer.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the first conductive layer isillustrated as being provided on the first insulating layer ILL and thesecond conductive layer is illustrated as being provided on the secondinsulating layer IL2, but they are not limited thereto. For example, thefirst conductive layer may be provided on the second insulating layerIL2, and the second conductive layer may be provided on the firstinsulating layer IL1.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the first sensing electrodes TSE1 andthe second sensing electrodes TSE2 are illustrated as being provided onthe same level, but they are not limited thereto. For example, the firstsensing electrodes TSE1 and the second sensing electrodes TSE2 may beprovided on different layers.

Among the first sensing electrodes TSE1, the second sensing electrodesTSE2, the first connection pattern CNP1 and the second connectionpattern CNP2, at least the first sensing electrodes TSE1 and the secondsensing electrodes TSE2 may include a plurality of conductive fine linesCFL that cross each other. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, theconductive fine lines CFL may include a plurality of first conductivefine lines CFL1 extending in a first direction and a plurality of secondconductive fine lines CFL2 extending in a direction that crosses thefirst conductive fine lines CFL1.

The conductive fine lines CFL may be provided between adjacent pixelareas. For example, the conductive fine lines CFL may not overlap thedisplay device OLED. In other words, the conductive fine lines CFL maybe provided in an area excluding the area where the light comes out fromthe display device OLED.

The conductive fine lines CFL may be electrically connected to eachother. The conductive fine lines CFL may have a shape where a portion ofthe conductive fine lines CFL is open, as shown in FIG. 6. Theconductive fine lines CFL where they are open may be regularly arrangedor randomly arranged. Also, the fine conductive lines CFL where they areopen may be arranged in edge areas of the first sensing electrodes TSE1and in edge areas of the second sensing electrodes TSE2. As a portion ofthe conductive fine lines CFL is opened, the edges of the first sensingelectrodes TSE1 and the second sensing electrodes TSE2 may be preventedfrom being visible by the reflection of the external light.

As shown in FIG. 4, one of the adjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 andsecond sensing electrode TSE2 may include a plurality of firstprotrusions PP1 protruding from one edge toward another. Also, the otherone of the adjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 and second sensingelectrode TSE2 may include a plurality of second protrusions PP2protruding from the another edge toward the one edge. For example, thefirst sensing electrode TSE1 may include first protrusions PP1, and thesecond sensing electrode TSE2 may include second protrusions PP2. Thefirst protrusions PP1 may protrude toward the second sensing electrodeTSE2 from an edge of the first sensing electrode TSE1, and the secondprotrusions PP2 may protrude from an edge of the second sensingelectrode TSE2 toward the first sensing electrode TSE1. The firstprotrusions PP1 and the second protrusions PP2 may be alternatelyarranged.

In the first sensing electrodes TSE1, a pitch of the first protrusionsPP1 may be ⅙ or less in length of an edge of the first sensing electrodeTSE1. For example, the number of the first protrusions PP1 provided atone side of the first sensing electrodes TSE1 may be 6 or more. Also,the pitch of the first protrusions may be 5 mm or less.

Also, in the second sensing electrodes TSE2, a pitch of the secondprotrusions PP2 may be ⅙ or less in length of an edge of the secondsensing electrode TSE2. For example, the number of the secondprotrusions PP2 provided at one side of the second sensing electrodesTSE2 may be 6 or more. Also, the pitch of the second protrusions may be5 mm or less.

Referring to FIG. 5, first sub protrusions SPP1 protruding toward thesecond protrusions PP2 may be provided at an edge of the firstprotrusions PP1. Second sub protrusions SPP2 protruding toward the firstprotrusions PP1 may be provided at an edge of the second protrusionsPP2. The first sub protrusions SPP1 and the second sub protrusions SPP2may be alternately arranged.

As described above, when the first sensing electrodes TSE1 and thesecond sensing electrodes TSE2 may include first protrusions PP1 andsecond protrusions PP2 and the first sub protrusions SPP1 and the secondsub protrusions SPP2 are provided at edges of the first protrusions PP1and second protrusions PP2, the length of the line between the adjacentfirst sensing electrode TSE1 and the second sensing electrode TSE2 thatfaces each other may increase. If the length of the line between theadjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 and second sensing electrode TSE2that faces each other increases, a mutual capacitance Cm of thecapacitor formed between the adjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 andthe second sensing electrode TSE2 may increase. Also, the amount ofchange (ΔCm) of the capacitance according to the touch of the user mayalso increase. Accordingly, touch sensitivity of the touch sensor TS maybe enhanced.

FIGS. 11 to 13 illustrate the shape of the protrusions between adjacenttouch sensing electrodes. FIGS. 11 to 13 are enlarged views of EA1 inFIG. 3.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 11 to 13, the first protrusions PP1 and thesecond protrusions PP2 may have a shape where the first protrusions PP1and the second protrusions PP2 protrude from edges of the first sensingelectrodes TSE1 and the second sensing electrodes TSE2.

The first protrusions PP1 and the second protrusions PP2 may have aclosed curve shape with a straight side. Here, one side of the firstprotrusions PP1 and the second protrusions PP2 may be shared with anedge of the first sensing electrodes TSE1 and the second sensingelectrodes TSE2.

Hereinafter the shapes of the first protrusions PP1 and the secondprotrusions PP2 are described more in detail.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first protrusions PP1 and the second protrusionsPP2 may protrude from edges of the first sensing electrodes TSE1 and thesecond sensing electrodes TSE2. The first protrusions PP1 and the secondprotrusions PP2 may have triangular shapes.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the first protrusion PP1 and thesecond protrusions PP2 may protrude from edges of the first sensingelectrodes TSE1 and the second sensing electrodes TSE2. The firstprotrusions PP1 and the second protrusions PP2 may have square shapes.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first protrusions PP1 in a direction parallelto the edges of the first sensing electrodes TSE1 may have same widths.The first protrusions PP1 and the second protrusions PP2 in a directionparallel to edges of the first sensing electrodes TSE1 and the secondsensing electrodes TSE2 may have same widths.

Also, in a direction perpendicular to the edges of the first sensingelectrodes TSE1, the first protrusions PP1 have same heights. In adirection perpendicular to the edges of the second sensing electrodesTSE2, the second protrusions may have same heights.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first protrusions PP1 in a direction parallelto the edges of the first sensing electrodes TSE1 may have differentwidths W1 and W2. For example, the width W1 of the first protrusions PP1may be greater than the width W2 of the first protrusions PP1. Also, thefirst protrusions PP1 in a direction perpendicular to the edges of thefirst sensing electrodes TSE1 may have same heights.

The second protrusions PP2 in a direction parallel to the edges of thesecond sensing electrodes TSE2 may have different widths. Also, thesecond protrusions PP2 in a direction perpendicular to the edges of thesecond sensing electrodes TSE2 may have same heights.

As shown in FIG. 13, the first protrusions PP1 in a directionperpendicular to the edges of the first sensing electrodes TSE1 may havedifferent heights H1 and H2. For example, one of the first protrusionsPP1 may have a height H1 that is greater than a height H2 of another oneof the first protrusions PP 1. Also, the first protrusions PP1 in adirection parallel to the edges of the first sensing electrodes TSE1 mayhave same widths.

Also, the second protrusions PP2 in a direction perpendicular to theedges of the second sensing electrodes TSE2 may have different heights.Also, the second protrusions PP2 in a direction parallel to the edges ofthe second sensing electrodes TSE2 may have same widths.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the shape between adjacent sub protrusions.FIGS. 14 and 15 are enlarged views of EA4 in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the first sub protrusions SPP1 and thesecond sub protrusions SPP2 may include a plurality of conductive finelines CFL. The conductive fine lines CFL may include first conductivefine lines CFL1 extending in one direction and second conductive finelines CFL2 extending in a direction crossing the first conductive finelines CFL1.

The first sub protrusions SPP1 and the second sub protrusions SPP2 thatare adjacent to each other may be spaced apart at regular intervals.

Hereinafter the shape of the first sub protrusions SPP1 and the secondsub protrusions SPP2 adjacent to each other being spaced apart isdescribed.

As shown in FIG. 14, the first sub protrusions SPP1 and the second subprotrusions SPP2 adjacent to each other may be spaced apart in a shapein which the conductive fine lines CFL between two conductive fine linesCFL that are adjacent and parallel to each other are cut off along onedotted line. The dotted line may divide the conductive fine lines CFLinto conductive fine lines CFL of the first sub protrusion SPP1 and theconductive fine lines CFL of the second sub protrusion SPP2.

The dotted line may be provided between adjacent first conductive finelines CFL1, or adjacent second conductive fine lines CFL2. For example,the dotted line may be provided between adjacent first conductive finelines CFL1.

The second conductive fine lines CFL2 of the first sub protrusions SPP1and the second sub protrusions SPP2 may have a protrusion shape betweenthe first conductive fine lines CFL1 on both sides of the dotted line.

Also, as shown in FIG. 15, dummy conductive fine lines DCFL may beprovided between the first sub protrusions SPP1 and the second subprotrusions SPP2 that are adjacent to each other.

The dummy conductive fine lines DCFL may be provided between the firstconductive fine line CFL1 of the first sub protrusions SPP1 and thefirst conductive fine line CFL1 of the second sub protrusion SPP2 thatare adjacent and parallel to each other. Also, the dummy conductive finelines DCFL may be parallel to the second conductive fine line CFL2 ofthe first sub protrusion SPP1 and the second conductive fine lines CFL2that cross the first conductive fine line CFL1 of the second subprotrusion SPP2. Herein, the second conductive fine line CFL2 of thefirst sub protrusion SPP1 and the second conductive fine lines CFL2 ofthe second sub protrusion SPP2 being adjacent and parallel to eachother.

FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate the dummy portion between adjacent subprotrusions. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of EA2 in FIG. 4. FIGS. 17 and18 are enlarged views of EA5 in FIG. 16.

Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, the first sub protrusions SPP1 and thesecond sub protrusions SPP2 may include a plurality of conductive finelines CFL. The conductive fine lines CFL may include the firstconductive fine lines CFL1 extending in one direction and the secondconductive fine lines CFL2 extending in a direction that crosses thefirst conductive fine lines CFL1. The conductive fine lines CFL may beprovided between adjacent pixel areas. For example, in an area that isformed by the first conductive fine lines CFL1 and the second conductivefine lines CFL2 crossing each other, a display device (refer to OLED inFIG. 7) may be provided.

The first sub protrusions SPP1 and the second sub protrusions SPP2 thatare adjacent to each other may be spaced apart from each other atregular intervals.

A dummy portion DMP that includes at least one dummy pattern DSP1 andDSP2 may be provided between the adjacent first sub protrusion SPP1 andsecond sub protrusion SPP2. For example, the dummy portion DMP mayinclude a first dummy pattern DSP1 and a second dummy pattern DSP2.

The first dummy pattern DSP1 and the second dummy pattern DSP2 may havevarious shapes. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, each of the firstdummy pattern DSP1 and the second dummy pattern DSP2 may have one firstdummy conductive fine line DCFL1 and a plurality of second dummyconductive fine lines DCFL2 crossing the first dummy conductive fineline DCFL1. Also, as shown in FIG. 18, each of the first dummy patternDSP1 and the second dummy pattern DSP2 may include two parallel firstdummy conductive fine lines DCFL1 and a plurality of second dummyconductive fine lines DCFL2 crossing the first dummy conductive finelines DCFL1. Here, the first dummy conductive fine lines DCFL1 may beparallel to the first conductive fine lines CFL1, and the second dummyconductive fine lines DCFL2 may be parallel to the second conductivefine lines CFL2. One pixel may be provided in an area that is formed bythe first dummy conductive fine lines DCFL1 and the second dummyconductive fine lines DCFL2 crossing each other.

The distance between adjacent first sub protrusion SPP1 and second subprotrusion SPP2 may be defined by the shape of dummy patterns DSP1 andDSP2. For example, if the first dummy pattern DSP1 and the second dummypattern DSP2 have the shape as shown in FIG. 1, approximately two pixelareas may be provided between adjacent first sub protrusion SPP1 andsecond sub protrusion SPP2. The distance between the adjacent first subprotrusion SPP1 and second sub protrusion SPP2 may correspond to thewidths of approximately two pixel areas.

Also, if the first dummy pattern DSP1 and the second dummy pattern DSP2have the shape as shown in FIG. 18, approximately four pixel areas maybe provided between adjacent first sub protrusion SPP1 and second subprotrusion SPP2. The distance between the adjacent first sub protrusionSPP1 and second sub protrusion SPP2 may correspond to the widths ofapproximately four pixel areas.

Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, the capacitance according to the distancebetween the adjacent first sensing electrode and second sensingelectrode, the amount of change of the capacitance, and the ratio ofcapacitance according to the capacitance will be described hereinafter.Here, the capacitance refers to a capacitance of the capacitor formedbetween the adjacent first sensing electrode and second sensingelectrode, and the amount of change in capacitance refers to the amountof change in capacitance according to a user's touch.

FIG. 19 illustrates the capacitance according to the distance betweenthe adjacent first sensing electrode and second sensing electrode. FIG.20 illustrates the amount of change in capacitance according to thedistance between the adjacent first sensing electrode and the secondsensing electrode. FIG. 21 illustrate the capacitance according to thedistance between the adjacent first sensing electrode and second sensingelectrode and the ratio of the amount of change in capacitance.

In FIGS. 19 to 21, the distance between the adjacent first sensingelectrode and second sensing electrode is expressed as a number ofpixels. Here, the width of one pixel may be approximately 31 μm.

Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, in the touch sensor (refer to TS in FIGS. 1and 2), if the distance between the adjacent first sensing electrode(refer to TSE1 in FIGS. 2 and 3) and second sensing electrode (refer toTSE2 in FIGS. 2 and 3) is reduced, the capacitance Cm of the capacitorformed between the adjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 and secondsensing electrode TSE2 may be reduced. Particularly, as shown in FIG.19, the distance between the adjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 andsecond sensing electrode TSE2 and the capacitance of the capacitorformed between the adjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 and secondsensing electrode TSE2 may be in inverse proportion.

Also, in the touch sensor TS, if the distance between the adjacent firstsensing electrode TSE1 and second sensing electrode TSE2 is reduced, theamount ΔCm of change of the capacitance according to a user's touch mayalso decrease. However, unlike the distance between the adjacent firstsensing electrode TSE1 and second sensing electrode TSE2 being ininverse proportion with the capacitance of the capacitor formed betweenthe adjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 and second sensing electrodeTSE2, as shown in FIG. 20, as the distance between the adjacent firstsensing electrode TSE1 and second sensing electrode TSE2 increases, theamount of change ΔCm of the capacitance may be linearly reduced.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 21, according to the distance between theadjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 and second sensing electrode TSE2,the ratio of the amount of change in capacitance with respect to thecapacitance of the capacitor formed between the adjacent first sensingelectrode TSE1 and second sensing electrode TSE2 may change.

Also, if the distance between the adjacent first sensing electrode TSE1and second sensing electrode TSE2 is the widths of four pixel areas orgreater, the change in the ratio of the amount of change in capacitancewith respect to the capacitance of the capacitor according to thedistance between the adjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 and secondsensing electrode TSE2 may be very small. For example, if the distancebetween the adjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 and second sensingelectrode TSE2 is the widths of four pixel areas or greater, the ratioof the amount of change in capacitance with respect to the capacitanceof the capacitor according to the distance between the adjacent firstsensing electrode TSE1 and second sensing electrode TSE2 may beconstant.

FIGS. 22 to 24 illustrate the touch sensor of the display deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 22 is a partially enlargedview for illustrating the touch sensing electrodes of the touch senorshown in FIG. 2. FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of EA6 in FIG. 22. FIG. 24is an enlarged view of EA7 in FIG. 23.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 22 to 24, the touch sensor TS provided onone surface of the display panel (refer to DPN in FIGS. 1 and 7 to 10)may include a plurality of sensing rows that include a plurality offirst sensing electrodes TSE1 connected in a first direction D1, and aplurality of sensing columns that include a plurality of second sensingelectrodes TSE2 connected in a second direction D2 crossing the firstdirection D1.

In sensing rows, the adjacent first sensing electrodes TSE1 may beelectrically connected through the first connection pattern CNP1. Insensing columns, the adjacent second sensing electrodes TSE2 may beelectrically connected through the second connection pattern CNP2.

Also, the surface of the first sensing electrodes TSE1 and the area ofthe second sensing electrodes TSE2 may be different from each other. Forexample, the area of the second sensing electrodes TSE2 may be smallerthan the area of the first sensing electrodes TSE1.

As shown in FIG. 4, one of the adjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 andsecond sensing electrode TSE2, for example, the first sensing electrodeTSE1, may include a plurality of u) first protrusions PP1 at the edgeprotruding toward another one, for example, the second sensing electrodeTSE2. Also, another one of the adjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 andsecond sensing electrode TSE2, for example, the second sensing electrodeTSE2, may include a plurality of second protrusions PP2 at the edgeprotruding toward the first sensing electrode TSE1. The firstprotrusions PP1 and the second protrusions PP2 may be alternatelyarranged.

Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the first protrusions PP1 may include firstsub protrusions SPP1 protruding toward the second protrusions PP2 at theedge of the first protrusions PP1. The second protrusions PP2 mayinclude second sub protrusions SPP2 protruding toward the firstprotrusions PP1 at the edge of the second protrusions PP2. The first subprotrusions SPP1 and the second sub protrusions SPP2 may be alternatelyarranged.

As described above, if the first sensing electrodes TSE1 and the secondsensing electrodes TSE2 include first protrusions PP1 and secondprotrusions PP2, and if the first sub protrusions SPP1 and the secondsub protrusions SPP2 are provided to the edges of the first protrusionsPP1 and the second protrusions PP2, the distance of the line facingbetween the adjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 and second sensingelectrode TSE2 may increase. If the length of the line facing betweenthe adjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 and the second sensingelectrode TSE2 increases, the mutual capacitance Cm of the capacitorformed between the adjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 and secondsensing electrode TSE2 may increase. Also, the amount of change ΔCm incapacitance according to a user's touch may also increase. Therefore,the touch sensitivity of the touch sensor TS may improve.

The first sensing electrodes TSE1 and the second sensing electrodes TSE2may include a plurality of conductive fine lines CFL that cross eachother. For example, the conductive fine lines (refer to CFL in FIGS. 6,14 and 15) may include a plurality of first conductive fine lines (referto CFL1 in FIGS. 6, 14 and 15) extending in one direction and aplurality of second conductive fine lines (refer to CFL2 in FIGS. 6, 14and 15) extending in a direction crossing the first conductive finelines CFL1.

One of the first sensing electrodes TSE1 and the second sensingelectrodes TSE2, for example, the second sensing electrodes TSE2 mayinclude a first area ER1 and a second area ER2 electrically separatedfrom each other. One of the first area ER1 and the second area ER2 maybe provided inside of the other. For example, the second area ER2 may beprovided inside the first area ER1 and electrically separated from thefirst area ER1.

The area where the first sensing electrodes TSE1 adjacent to the secondsensing electrodes TSE2 and the capacitor are formed may be reduced bythe second area ER2. If the area where the first sensing electrodes TSE1adjacent to the second sensing electrodes TSE2 and the capacitor areformed is reduced, the capacitance of the capacitor formed between theadjacent first sensing electrode TSE1 and second sensing electrode TSE2may be reduced. However, since the amount of change in capacitance ofthe capacitor is constant, the ratio of the amount of change incapacitance according to a user's touch with respect to the capacitancein a state where there is no user may increase. Therefore, the touchsensitivity of the touch sensor may be enhanced.

The first area ER1 may include a plurality of third protrusions PP3 atan edge of the first area ER1 and protruding toward the second area ER2.The second area ER2 may include fourth protrusions PP4 at an edge of thesecond area ER2 and protruding toward the first area ER1. Here, thethird protrusions PP3 and the fourth protrusions PP4 may be alternatelyarranged.

Also, the third protrusions PP3 may include third sub protrusions SPP3protruding toward fourth protrusions PP4 at an edge of the thirdprotrusions PP3. The fourth protrusions PP4 may include fourth subprotrusions SPP4 protruding toward the third protrusions PP3 at an edgeof the fourth protrusions PP4. The third sub protrusions SPP3 and thefourth sub protrusions SPP4 may be alternately arranged.

While the scope of the invention is described in detail exemplaryembodiments, it is should be noted that the above-described embodimentsare merely descriptive and should not be considered as limiting.Further, it should be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made hereinwithout departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments as definedby the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A touch sensor, comprising: a plurality ofsensing rows, each sensing row comprising first sensing electrodesconnected in a first direction; a plurality of sensing columns, eachsensing column comprising second sensing electrodes connected in asecond direction crossing the first direction, wherein each of the firstsensing electrodes has a plurality of sides and includes first patternsprotruding from one of the sides toward the second sensing electrodes,wherein each of the second sensing electrodes has a plurality of sidesand includes second patterns each having a shape complementary to ashape of each of the first patterns and formed at one of the sidesthereof, and wherein the first patterns face the second patterns, andthe first patterns and the second patterns are alternately arranged. 2.The touch sensor of claim 1, wherein each of the first sensingelectrodes is adjacent to adjacent second sensing electrodes in anoblique direction with respect to a boundary of the touch sensor.
 3. Thetouch sensor of claim 1, further comprising first sub-patterns disposedat an edge of the first patterns; and second sub-patterns disposed at anedge of the second patterns, the second sub-patterns facing the firstsub-patterns disposed at an edge of an adjacent first pattern.
 4. Thetouch sensor of claim 1, wherein an area of the first sensing electrodesis different from an area of the second sensing electrodes.
 5. The touchsensor of claim 1, wherein each of the first sensing electrodes and thesecond sensing electrodes comprises a plurality of conductive fine linescrossing each other.
 6. The touch sensor of claim 5, further comprisinga pad part comprising pads electrically connected to the first sensingelectrodes and the second sensing electrodes, wherein one of the firstsensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes are configured toreceive a driving signal through the pad part, and the other of thefirst sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes areconfigured to transmit a touch sense signal to the pad part.
 7. Thetouch sensor of claim 6, wherein an area of each of the one of the firstsensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes configured toreceive the driving signal is smaller than an area of each of the otherof the first sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodesconfigured to transmit the touch sense signal.
 8. The touch sensor ofclaim 7, wherein the one of the first sensing electrodes and the secondsensing electrodes configured to receive the driving signal comprise afirst area and a second area, the first area and the second area beingelectrically separated from each other, wherein one of the first areaand the second area is inside the other of the first area and the secondarea and electrically insulated.
 9. The touch sensor of claim 8, furthercomprising: third patterns disposed at an edge of the first area andprotruding toward the second area; and fourth patterns disposed at anedge of the second area and facing the third patterns disposed at anedge of an adjacent first area.
 10. The touch sensor of claim 9, furthercomprising: third sub-patterns disposed at an edge of the thirdpatterns; and fourth sub-patterns disposed at an edge of the fourthpatterns, the fourth sub-patterns facing the third sub-patterns disposedat an edge of an adjacent third pattern.
 11. The touch sensor of claim1, wherein a distance between adjacent first patterns is equal to orsmaller than ⅙ of a length of one side of each of the first sensingelectrodes.
 12. The touch sensor of claim 11, wherein a number of thefirst patterns disposed at one side of each of the first sensingelectrodes is 6 or more.
 13. The touch sensor of claim 11, wherein adistance between adjacent second patterns is equal to or smaller than ⅙of a length of one side of each of the second sensing electrodes. 14.The touch sensor of claim 13, wherein a number of the second patternsdisposed at one side of each of the second sensing electrodes is 6 ormore.
 15. The touch sensor of claim 5, wherein a pitch of the firstpatterns and a pitch of the second patterns are equal to or smaller than5 mm.
 16. The touch sensor of claim 5, wherein the first patterns, thesecond patterns, the first sub-patterns, and the second sub-patternshave a closed curve shape with a straight side.
 17. The touch sensor ofclaim 5, further comprising dummy fine lines disposed between a firstsub-pattern and a second sub-pattern adjacent to the first sub-pattern.18. The touch sensor of claim 5, wherein a height of one of the firstpatterns is different from a height of the other of the first patterns,and a height of one of the second patterns is different from a height ofthe other of the second patterns.
 19. The touch sensor of claim 5,wherein a width of one of the first patterns is different from a widthof the other of the first patterns, and a width of one of the secondpatterns is different from a width of the other of the second patterns.20. The touch sensor of claim 5, wherein the conductive fine linescomprise first conductive fine lines extending in the first directionand second conductive fine lines crossing the first conductive finelines.
 21. The touch sensor of claim 20, further comprising a dummyportion disposed between a first sensing electrode and a second sensingelectrode adjacent to the first sensing electrode, the dummy portioncomprising at least one dummy pattern, wherein the at least one dummypattern comprises: at least one first dummy conductive fine lineparallel to the first conductive fine lines; and a plurality of seconddummy conductive fine lines crossing the first dummy conductive fineline and parallel to the second conductive fine lines.
 22. The touchsensor of claim 21, wherein the dummy portion comprises two dummypatterns.
 23. The touch sensor of claim 21, wherein the at least onedummy pattern comprises two first dummy conductive fine lines, whereinthe second dummy conductive fine lines cross all of the first dummyconductive fine lines.
 24. A touch sensor, comprising: a plurality ofsensing rows, each sensing row comprising first sensing electrodesconnected in a first direction; and a plurality of sensing columns, eachsensing column comprising second sensing electrodes connected in asecond direction crossing the first direction, wherein each of the firstsensing electrodes has a plurality of sides and includes first patternsprotruding from one of the sides toward the second sensing electrodes,wherein each of the second sensing electrodes has a plurality of sidesand includes second patterns facing the first patterns and disposed atone of the sides thereof, and wherein the first patterns and the secondpatterns are alternately arranged.